NOTE: This mock was written on April 4, 2012. The updated version can be found on Bleacher Report at: This mock is designed to look at Rounds One and Two only. I admire anyone who mocks an entire draft.
With that said, this approach will analyze straight up picks, no trades up or back. Although, I firmly believe there are several teams looking to trade their picks. At first I thought the Vikings might try to trade back, but when the Rams traded, the Vikings were pretty much sitting in the cat bird’s seat to draft Matt Kalil. Oops, gave one away already; not that it was any surprise though.
I think the Browns (already notified the media, including the Russians), Dolphins, Seahawks, Cowboys, Jets, and of course, the Patriots may be willing to deal. However, let’s look at Rounds One and Two pick for pick with brief analysis for each pick.
Indianapolis Colts – RG III, err I mean, Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Colts pull the surprise of the draft….Just kidding, Andrew Luck is 99.95% a Colt, although the arguments have been made for both players. In my estimation either guy would be a great pick, it just depends on the type of offense you want to run in Indy.
Washington Redskins – RG III, QB, Baylor
Now this is the real pick and every reason the Redskins gave up the Department of Justice to get it. Again, all joking aside, RG III is a dynamic player who will remind Redskins fans why chasing Michael Vick around the last two years was worth it. They will now have a younger, more astute version of MV. Sky is the limit for this quality kid.
Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, T, USC
I think this is the first time that I have seen where the top three players are universal across most mock drafts. The contrarians have the Vikings drafting Claiborne, nice try or smoke screen.
If the Vikings pass on Kalil there will be riots in the Twin Cities. Although let me say, it would not be surprising to see the Vikings trade down with Bucs so the Bucs can draft Trent Richardson, and the Browns will be left at the altar once again.
Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
This might be a little high for Richardson, but the Browns, short of a trade back have little choice. Justin Blackmon is also a possibility, but Holmgren knows what division he is in and a strong running game is paramount in this division. Richardson gives them that power, explosiveness and speed to git’r done.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Things could get a little interesting here as well. The Bucs went buck wild in free agency. I think they spent way too much for Eric Wright, and even with that they select Claiborne who is a quality shut down type with great speed and quickness. He’s smooth and at times looks effortless. Barber is 100-yrs old, so Claiborne makes total sense here.
St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Rams breathe a sigh of relief to know that Blackmon is available; the trade pays off in a big way. Blackmon possesses all the necessary tools to be the featured receiver in an offense that lacks punch and reminiscences of the greatest show on turf.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Jaguars are in a unique position, but also that no man’s land. I always feel that from pick No.7 to pick No. 13 is a tough area to pick. Are you reaching for player, or do you just look at best athlete at position? It’s always tough.
I harken back to the Vikings. In 2007 at No. 7 they chose Adrian Peterson even though they had Chester Taylor. Last year they are at No. 12 and pick Christian Ponder, of whom some said was a reach. So you never know how this is going to play out.
Some have the Jags drafting for defense, but their offense struggled way too much last year, and I see Mularkey getting help for his embattled quarterback; therefore, they add another receiver to go with Laurent Robinson because neither of the other Jaguar receivers are feature receivers. Floyd can be that guy.
Miami Dolphins – Melvin Ingraham, DE/OLB, South Carolina
I seriously believe the Dolphins will try and trade this spot because to draft Tannehill at No. 8 is a big stretch. I like Tannehill, but I saw him more as a late first early second round pick. If they could trade down four or five spots then the selection of Tannehill would not be seen as that bad of a reach because the team at least got another two or more picks from the trade.
I don’t give a crap what Todd McShay says, Miami should not feel desperate because they lost out on Manning and Flynn because there is a silver lining to all of this, next year’s quarterback crop is supposed to be deeper than this year and the Dolphins might be at or around where they are this year and could have its pick of quarterback. I don’t want to say throw away the season, but Moore has shown to be capable and the Dolphins cannot force the issue and push the panic button. It always comes back to haunt you. Tannehill has 19 starts. He needs time. If they rush him in, it could be disastrous.
With that said, Ingraham adds a nice complement to Cameron Wake and the Dolphins defense is at least able to keep the teams in games. Most scouts believe that Ingraham is a more consistent player than Coples, although Coples can look incredible at times.
Carolina Panthers – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
The Panthers are in a good position because there are several players sitting there relative to their team needs, but with Floyd and Blackmon off the board, there is no other receiver rated to go this high. They could look to Riley Reiff, but there is a greater need.
Some may see this as a reach but the Panthers really need to address their woeful run stop game. The Panthers gave up nearly 131 yards per game. Poe is a big body with great athleticism reminiscent of Haloti Ngata.
Buffalo Bills – Riley Reiff, T, Iowa
Buffalo has several areas of immediate need, but protecting their new million dollar quarterback is paramount, and with the signings of Derek Anderson, DE and Mario Williams, DE/OLB, they can turn their attention to the offensive line.
According to the Bills depth chart the only player listed at LT is Chris Hairston. Reiff is considered one tier below Kalil, but that may not be a bad thing.
Kansas City Chiefs – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
The Chiefs could consider David DeCastro, G, Stanford, but their need is greater at Tackle, so the Chiefs could make that trade with the Dolphins and then select Reiff, T, Iowa and the Dolphins may go with Tannehill here, but that is all speculation.
Straight up, the Chiefs gave up 132 YPG in rush defense and Brockers would be a solid pick to slide in to the middle to shore up an eye sore.
Seattle Seahawks – David DeCastro, G, Stanford
By signing Matt Flynn, the Seahawks now have to shore up an offensive line that lost Robert Gallery, DeCastro is a nice consolation prize.
The Seahawks could also look to go with Luke Kuechly, OLB, Boston College, or Quinton Coples, DE, UNC, but the primary need is O-Line.
Arizona Cardinals – Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford
This was a tough one because the Cardinals would have liked to have seen Reiff drop here, but again, teams drafting ahead of the Cardinals look for needs and LT is coveted and Kalil and Reiff are the top two.
The Cardinals do not have a pick in Round Two so they have got to get the guy they need, but again, there is a market here to trade down and the Cardinals could very well do that. A team that really likes Devon Still or Fletcher Cox, or even Luke Kuechly could pull a trade here.
With that said, and no trade, the Cardinals draft Martin who is a big man who did very well protecting Andrew Luck. Plus, he keeps the mascot name of Cardinal, too easy.
Don’t rule out Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama, but this may be a little too high for him.
Dallas Cowboys – Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
Jerry Jones is steaming over the fact that DeCastro is not there, and since they signed Dan Conner they lose out on Kuechly and Courtney Upshaw. Jones wants to trade down, but since his asking price is equivalent to the purchase of a small pacific island they select Coples.
Other than Ware the Cowboys have difficulty getting to the quarterback and with the Giants and Manning, the Eagles with Vick and most likely RG III with the Redskins, pressure on the QB is paramount.
Philadelphia Eagles – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
With the acquisition of DeMeco Ryans, it is unlikely they will look at Luke Kuechly or Courtney Upshaw. The Eagles can look to fill the middle up front with Cox.
There is a possibility the Eagles could look at Devon Still if the Cowboys grab Cox, and wouldn’t Jerry Jones love to rub Reid’s rhubarb.
Cincinnati Bengals – Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
Cincinnati made great strides last year, and although they still have several need areas, one is the guard position and Glenn is a powerful run blocker. They could go for Kirkpatrick here and hope that Glenn is available at 21, but with the Chargers at 18, the Bears at 19, and the Titans at 20 who are also looking to shore up their interior line, this is a smart pick.
San Diego Chargers – Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
The Chargers could grab Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin, but he is projected more as a Round Two selection. Mercilus can be merciless when it comes to the quarterback. Besides, this is a need area for the Chargers as their defense last year only came up with 32 sacks and Antwan Barnes had 11 of those. Plus, if they lose Luis Castillo, that makes this pick even more important.
Another possibility if Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama, but his stock seems to have dropped lately. Plus, they signed Jarrett Johnson.
Chicago Bears – Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
This may seem to be a bit of a reach given Zeitler’s grade was as a second round selection, but the other top guards are gone and with the acquisition of Brandon Marshall, the Bears will not see WR as an initial need, although they may look at that in Round Two given Johnnie Knox’s situation.
The Bears need interior help, and even though Zeitler follows Carimi as Badgers to the Bears, it is about necessity and making Jay Cutler some more security.
Tennessee Titans – Nick Perry, DE, USC
In looking at who the Titans may like at this position, I found that some of the picks they may desire are gone while others may be a reach at this point. I do not think Perry is a reach. On several boards he was rated anywhere from 15-25 and is ranked No. 3 for DE’s.
I don’t think there is any doubt that Coach Munchak wants to have a dominant offensive and defensive line and to work outward from there. Perry fits in nicely with Munchak’s rebuilding of the defensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
This pick makes perfect sense for the Bengals. After shoring up their interior line to help Andy Dalton, now they can focus on an area of weakness on the defense.
Kirkpatrick is probably the top rated DB coming out of the draft next to Claiborne. He will make Bengals fans very happy. There’s champagne being poured in Cincinnati as they begin to build a team that will overtake the AFC North.
Cleveland Browns – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
The Browns wanted RG III no doubt, but there is no reason to believe they will just draft another QB just to draft a QB, but… Tannehill is a quality QB who many feel may start over Colt McCoy. Yes, Tannehill could go earlier, but most teams are pretty secure in who their starters are. One could argue the Browns don’t have to push the panic button and could draft a WR here to further bolster McCoy’s chances.
If they draft a WR here in this spot and with Richardson, yet the Browns still look flat on offense, then the lack of offense can be pointed at McCoy, but if they draft these weapons and McCoy advances his play then they would have chosen wisely.
My take is too much pressure forces the Browns to take Tannehill here. And honestly, this is about the area of Round One where Tannehill’s name begins to surface.
Detroit Lions – Janoris Jenkins, DB, Northern Alabama
The Lions are sporting high fives as Jenkins drops into their lap. There is an argument that Jenkins may turn out to be the best of the DB bunch, but there is also a risk and the reason he drops to this point.
The Lions defense gets a significant upgrade at a position that was torched last year.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Devon Still, NT, Penn State
At this point in Round One, the Steelers stand in that area where best player available (BPA) comes into play. They really have three need areas, OL, DL, CB.
Of the three position areas, Still or Jerel Worthy are rated higher than the next highest players at OL and DB. I went with DL because age has become a factor for this stout group and with Still they get a powerful guy who can work behind Casey Hampton, or alongside him.
Denver Broncos – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Broncos seemed to have addressed areas of need on offense, especially with Manning, although I am still upset with how they dealt with Tebow.
Gilmore is a player who can come in right away and play. He’s a smart, savvy player who has really helped his draft stock. Although I thought Gilmore was more of an early Round Two player, there is a need for certain players and sometimes you have to do what you need to do and since the Broncos need CB or S, this one makes the most sense.
Houston Texans – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Again, another tough one, but there are two schools of thought here, one, Andre Johnson needs help. He has had an adequate support cast, but Wright gives them an added dimension.
I almost went with Stephen Hill here, but Hill and Johnson are mirror receiver types and Wright gives the Texans that Desean Jackson type of receiver. If you thought the Texans offense was potent last year, wait until you see this one explode on defenses.
New England Patriots (from New Orleans) – Jerel Worthy – DT, Michigan State
The obvious is obvious, the Patriots need some serious help on defense and the best place to start is in the middle and losing Mark Anderson didn’t help. The signing of Fanene just seemed to be more of a tit for tat type of transaction.
There is a chance the Patriots could go DB or S here but they have another choice in Round One unless Belichick decides to bundle and move up, or stand pat and draft BPA.
Worthy helps a front line that had more rotations than a pole dancer.
Green Bay – Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
The Packers were in a similar position last year as the Patriots, but the Packers problem was they ran into a Giants defense that was playing better than any defense in the playoffs. Ergo, the Pack were sent packing and their defense was too much of a liability.
Upshaw gives them a credible threat on the end to book end with Matthews. My only concern is that Upshaw’s draft stock has dropped, but on balance, Upshaw’s body of work makes him a late first round pick, so this seems about right.
Baltimore Ravens – Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Back to back Tide players go here, but more out of necessity than just being Crimson Tide players. Ray Lewis has been a phenomenal player, but there will be a time to replace the ageless wonder.
Hightower is a nasty player who would relish learning from one of the game’s best. However, if the Steelers happen to grab Hightower, the Ravens may look at Mike Adams, T, Ohio State, or Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin.
San Francisco 49ers – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
With the signings of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, it would appear the 49ers are not going to select a WR here because there are two other areas of need as well, OL and CB.
The 49ers interior line needs help and Konz is the best value at this point. With the loss of Snyder and Goodwin will be 34, either C or G needs to be addressed. Had one of the top CB’s dropped that position could have been addressed, but for the Niners, addressing the line seems paramount at this time.
New England Patriots – Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
This is prime time Belichick time. You have to know those little Gerbel wheels are running feverishly through Coach Belichick’s mind. I would not be surprised to see him trade out this pick to accumulate more for this year or next.
The Patriots could also look to Andre Branch, DE, Clemson to combine with Worthy which would certainly make a lot of sense as well.
New York Giants – Mike Adams, T, Ohio State
Hang on, hang on New York fans before you go putting my address on twitter hear me out. Most scouts feel the two primary needs for the Giants are OL and MLB. I know Fleener looks like the attractive choice, but with the signing of Bennett, that gives me pause to have Fleener going at this point.
With that said, Adams gives them a big son-of-a-gun of a tackle. He is a solid run blocker with a mean streak, but needs work in the pass protection game. Also, he would most likely be better suited at RT until he learns more about the LT position if they want to project him for that spot.
This is a solid pick. As for the MLB position, I just don’t see another MLB outside of Kuechly and Hightower worth taking this high.
Well, that does it for Round One, stay tuned for Round Two
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